Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby says he is confident hot coaching prospect Jim Harbaugh is not a candidate for the once glorious opening at Notre Dame.

Bowlsby told the Associated Press he has talked to Harbaugh's agent, Jack Bechta, to confirm Harbaugh is not a candidate to lead the Fighting Irish.

Harbaugh got in the act himself In an interview with ESPN before Monday night's Ravens-Packers game. The former NFL quarterback Harbaugh denied a New York Times report that he was set to meet or had already met with Notre Dame.

"There's no meeting," he said adding that he hasn't "talked to Notre Dame about a meeting."

But the move is not without precedent. After seven seasons leading the Cardinals to a 44–36–1 record, former coach Tyrone Willingham jumped to Notre Dame in 2001 where he lasted four years before being ousted.

Still Stanford says it is close to announcing an extension with Harbaugh. He led the Cardinal (8-4) to their first bowl bid in eight seasons where they will play Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.